The Royal Air Forces Escaping Society Silver Trophy

In 1958, in order to perpetuate the memory of the outstanding risks and sacrifices made on behalf of the RAF and Allied aircrew and also to foster the spirit engendered by those events, the Royal Air Forces Escaping Society presented the Royal Air Force with a silver trophy.

The RAFES Silver Trophy is presented annually for the best individual feat of combat survival or comparable feat of challenge and achievement carried out by a member of the RAF during operations or recognised training.

For example:-

• in 1983 the Trophy was awarded to Sqn Ldr Bob Iveson who was shot down in the Falklands War and evaded capture for 60 hours.
• in 1989 it was awarded to F/S Dodsworth, winchman in the duty Air Sea Rescue helicopter crew at RAF Brawdy for his part in the rescue of the crew of the stricken freighter Secil Japan in St Ives Bay.

In 1991 the RAF took charge of the RAFES Trophy.